VietNamNet Bridge – Of around 6,000 churches across Vietnam, there are four basilicas in the provinces of Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, Quang Tri and HCM City.

The Catholic churches are especially attractive to anyone. Because of this, in many tours, churches are the must-come destinations, particular basilicas, the special honor from the Pope for the churches having great architecture and ancient churches with historical significance and spiritual importance.

1. Ke So Church

The So Kien Basilica or Ke So Church is located in the town of Kien Khe, Thanh Liem district, Ha Nam province. Whether it's a minor basilica that was newly ordained in 2010, Ke So is really an interesting destination with massive architecture and the East-West converge style.

The entire platform is covered by ironwood against subsidence. Photo: hdgmvn

The church was built according to the Western architectural style with arches. On the wall are windows decorated with colored glass paintings, featuring saints or biblical events.

The sanctuary area and the altar were made of wood, with delicate carvings, lacquer trimmed with gold in Vietnamese traditional style. As it was built on a lagoon, the entire floor is paved by ironwood against subsidence.

Many visitors come here are impressed by a bell tower with the four giant bells with different sounds. The biggest bell weighs nearly 2.5 tons. On holidays, dozens of young men are mobilized to pull the bells.

2. Phu Nhai Church

Phu Nhai Basilica is located in Bui Chu Diocese in Xuan Phuong commune, Xuan Truong district, Nam Dinh province. This is known as the largest church in Indochina.

When the church was built, it featured the Gothic architectural style of Spain. After being rebuilt, its style is French Gothic. The church has two bell towers.  The four bells were cast in France, weighing from 100 kg to 2 tons. Around the church are reliefs showing 14 Stations of the Cross.

After visiting the church which is considered as the largest in Indochina, visitors will admire the panorama of Xuan Truong District when standing on the church tower.

3. Church of La Vang

La Vang Church is located in Hai Phu commune, Hai Lang district, Quang Tri province in central Vietnam. In 1961 the church was consecrated the basilica. Initially this was a church with tile roof, with ancient Vietnamese architectural style. However, the front is in European style.

La Vang Church has been renovated several times but coming here, tourists will still see the ancient beauty of the ancient Vietnamese architectural style through the familiar shape of the roof, house design and Vietnamese house. In addition, visitors will also be attracted by the 15 statues expresses the 15 magicals.

4. Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

The Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is no stranger to HCM City people and local tourists. But few know that this is one of the four basilicas in the country.

Notre Dame Cathedral is the favorite destination of many tourists. Photo: hochiminhcity.gov.vn

The highlight of the church is the made of brick walls originating from Marseille (France) from the late 19th century. Therefore, although not fully understand the meaning of culture and history of the cathedral, anyone who visits the Notre Dame in Saigon wants to take a picture with this unique work.

In front of the church’s dome is a Swiss clock. For over 130 years, the clock still works and it is fixed every week. In the six bells featuring different pitches of Do, Re, Mi, Sol, La, Si, the bell named Son weighs nearly 8.8 tons. Son is one of the world's largest bells.

Located in the heart of the most dynamic cities in the country, the Notre Dame is a bass note to pull visitors back.

Pha Le